First undergraduates arrive at Shrewsbury university

The arrival of 40 new students –the first to join the university from the outset – has been hailed as huge step for Shrewsbury as a town, with an expected economic boom, along with the prestige associated with the fledgeling university.

A Shrewsbury couple will be bringing four new jobs to the area as they are opening up a coffee shop in the town's university centre.

Mike and Nicola Dalton, who already run two successful coffee shops in the town; stop. Coffee Shop in Greyfriars and stop. Cafe Bar in Shrewsbury's Museum and Art Gallery, will run the coffee shop in University Centre Shrewsbury's main learning and research centre at Guildhall.

The new venture at the Frankwell Quay building will create four new jobs in the town.

Nicola Dalton, co-owner of stop., said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be opening stop. Number Three at University Centre Shrewsbury. Since we heard that the institution was coming to the town we've been looking forward to the positive impact it will have.

"We are particularly proud that the University Centre has chosen us, a local, family-owned independent business to run the coffee shop.

"stop. @ UCS will offer the same quality coffee and homemade food that we've built our reputation on at our other cafes."

The first stop. Coffee Shop opened in the town three years ago.

Mrs Dalton added: "We have prided ourselves on offering a really friendly welcome to our customers. Our fantastic team of staff are our real strength and we are so lucky to have them behind us as we begin this new venture."

Paul Kirkbright, University Centre Shrewsbury's Deputy Provost, said: "stop. is a great, well-regarded local business and we are delighted that stop.number three is opening at Guildhall, adding to the exceptional environment at our main learning and research centre.

"Alongside new educational, social and cultural opportunities, University Centre Shrewsbury aims to contribute to the local economy in such ways as supporting local businesses and creating new jobs.

"This is another chance to work with and support a Shrewsbury company to grow, as the University Centre takes the next steps in its development."

The 40 undergraduates are being joined by another 40 postgraduates and will makeup a total of more than 100 students at the institution.

Preparations have been ongoing for the university over the past 18 months, with the refurbishment of Mardol House as student halls, and the Guildhall at Frankwell Quay as the main teaching centre.

Shropshire's High Sheriff, David Stacey said the progress of the university represents a major economic boost for the town.

He said: "There is a spring in the step of Shrewsbury, it's a town that is growing in confidence and the arrival of the new students will only add to that. They will inject vigour and vitality, their spending power will benefit the local economy and, when they graduate, this new pool of talent will attract employers and generate investment. A great number of people have worked incredibly hard to bring this about; I congratulate them, I thank them and I wish them every success."

History student Holly-Elizabeth Smith, 18, from Hednesford, is one of the 40 undergraduates who have arrived in Shrewsbury this week, and she said she was delighted at the chance to join the town's new university.

She said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be one of the first students at a brand new university. When I chose to put Shrewsbury as my firm choice I did it because I loved the course at Chester but wanted something smaller.

"The size of the classes offered means, as a student, you won't have to fight for attention.

"The opportunity to move right into the heart of a community is so unique for a university."

Miss Smith, who will be staying at the university's new halls, added: "From a history point of view, Shrewsbury fascinates me as a border town between Wales and England and with its historical value and quirks. It is so incredibly beautiful and feels like going back in time to an old English village every time I visit."

The arrival has also been welcomed by Shrewsbury's business community, with Kirsten Henley, manager of Shrewsbury's Business Improvement District. She said: "On behalf of Shrewsbury BID, I'd like to say 'welcome' to the new students at UCS. We're sure they'll have a fantastic time studying in Shrewsbury."

Star comment: Potential benefits great for county:

The creation of a new university in Shrewsbury is welcome news for the town and the county.

It will not only broaden the education opportunities available in Shropshire, but also boost the economy, advance Shropshire's reputation and help to prevent a pervasive brain-drain, whereby the county's brightest kids feel compelled to move away in order to progress.

It is hugely significant that Shrewsbury, a town that gave the world its greatest evolutionary thinker, Charles Darwin, has developed facilities for higher education. University Centre Shrewsbury, which has been created in conjunction with the University of Chester, has huge potential benefits.

The arrival of the university's first students was a day of great significance. Much hope is being pinned on the success of the venture, which will almost certainly turn out to be a success not just for Shrewsbury but for the county generally.

UC Shrewsbury will add to the variety of options available within our region. It will help to educate young people and also serve as a magnet for those from outside the county, attracting the best talent from afar.

The prestige, economic value and educational cachet of the new university cannot be underestimated.